Tag: Patio–west

Beerbistro(website, Twitter)18 King Street East, Toronto ON M5C 1C4 (on the north side of King Street East, just east of Yonge Street) 416-815-7562Google Maps

Pull your socks up, Beerbistro, there are dozens of less snobby pubs within walking distance.

I’ve been to the Beerbistro at least four times since I started this blog. I took notes most visits, but I just kept going to better pubs in the meantime and I would slipped my review of Beerbistro to the bottom of my pub review notes. I recently decided that it was now or never as I hoped that my earlier meh experiences were just coincidences. The Beerbistro is loud, despite being carpeted, probably due to its high ceiling, and the pub is divided into two areas with a large bar and related seating in one part and a more formal restaurant feel in the other. The crowd is business people, understandably.

On my most recent visit to the Beerbistro, I told the greeter that I was meeting two people for dinner. After a while, I decided to check my telephone as my companions hadn’t arrived and discovered they had been turned away as they had been told that they would not be seated for at least an hour! I could see several empty tables near me and I couldn’t see reserved signs on them. I bolted down my second drink and ran across the street to the Office Pub, which was quieter and less pretentious and found my companions there.

Number of visits by yours truly: four and no more, most recently on a weekday evening in April 2017TTC information: just a minute’s walk east from King StationBooze selection: just shy of 100 beers on menu, including one cider, which is a rotating tap. They have a tasting flight (no Pimm’s)Food selection: swanky with beer pairing suggestionsService staff: on my second last visit about a year ago, we were rushed out as it was crowded and we were not encouraged to spend the evening drinking, in fact an empty glass sat on our table for a lot longer than usual and was ignored by our waitress, then see above for missed dinner with friendsPrices: expensiveToilets: needed cleaningPatio: on the west side, but very dark as between tall buildingsWheelchair accessible: not really, hallway to toilets crowded and too many high-top tables for those who might not be able to sit at themTelevisions: three over the bar showing sportsLive music: doubt itPiped-in music: Lenny Kravitz

DeSotos (website)1079 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto ON (on the south side, between Lauder Avenue and Glenholme Avenue)416-651-2109Google Maps

The place to be on St. Clair West.

When my better half and I finally gave up on the nearby Fox and Fiddle, we decided that we had to find another place that served decent food and had half-decent service on St. Clair West. We quickly found DeSotos and were very happy, until the second time we went there and found that the place was closed for a private party. (The service there now leaves much to be desired, so the search continues.) We had checked that very day that DeSotos was open on its website (as it was a Monday) and there was no notice. I would have checked their Twitter feed, however, their Twitter feed is private — why? I even looked at their Facebook page and nothing. Anyway, we had to go back to the Fox and Fiddle even though we were not happy there.

DeSotos is an interesting pub, it has apothecary jars, seltzer bottles, an aquarium, an old-fashioned fan, typewriter, cash register, and, inside a bookcase, a copy of Playboy Blondes. The pub is split into two rooms and has lots of dark wood, but it is quite bright nevertheless. Larger groups can be accommodated, but don’t be surprised if they can’t take care of your request at the last minute. Unfortunately, the pub is very kid-friendly. (Don’t worry, I already know I will die alone, unloved, and unmourned.)

Number of visits by yours truly: three or four, my most recent in August 2015TTC information: a 20-minute streetcar ride (that’s what the TTC says) westbound from St Clair Station, or take the Dufferin bus north from Dufferin Station, which will drop you after a seven-minute ride at St Clair West and just a quick walk east from thereBooze selection: 11 craft beers with Strongbow cider (no Pimm’s)Food selection: Italian pizza, burgers, oysters, with aspirations to be a gastropubService staff: neglectful at times (on our most recent visit, I didn’t tip as the waiter took 10 minutes to clear our plates and we waited another 10 for the credit card machine, I gave up and went to the bar and was informed that he had other customers. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t tip)Prices: decentToilets: the locks are flimsy and it’s a little crampedPatio: north and west, both on the streetWheelchair accessible: noTelevisions: one near the bar and a pull-down screen for television eventsLive music: jazz on SundaysPiped-in music: mellow “Delta blues” according to my better half

Against The Grain Urban Tavern (website)87 Laird Drive, Toronto ON M4G 3V1 (on the east side of Laird Drive, between Esandar Street and Industrial Street, the nearest major intersection is Eglinton Avenue East and Laird Drive) 647-748-2840Google Maps

The Pottery Barn of pubs.

You know sometimes how you find yourself somewhere several times over a short period when you hadn’t been there in months? Well, that was the case recently as one day I realized there was a new pub in Leaside. Technically within walking distance of the old abode (however, the pub had been open for two years at this point, but as I said, sometimes you don’t go to the old haunts for a while). So on the first warm weekend in 2015 I decided it was time to brush the cobwebs off the sandals and check out a new pub.

Against the Grain (Leaside) is a nice looking pub, but don’t be surprised when you find that they don’t sell throw pillows and coffee tables. Against the Grain has wood everywhere! There is a good mixture of seating available — booths, tables, high tops and a huge bar. The pub attracts an older crowd from what we could see. I think that might be due to the location of Against the Grain, both in terms of neighbourhood (Leaside ain’t cheap) and in terms of location as it’s not on a major road and surrounded by shops.

Against the Grain is part of the chain that brought you Foggy Dew, Pogue Mahone, etc., but note they have two Against the Grains, the other one is at Corus Quay.

Number of visits by yours truly: my first, but not my last, in May 2015TTC information: take the Leaside bus north from Donlands Station (13 minutes) or the same bus eastbound from Eglinton Station (20 minutes), the pub is just a nine-minute walk south from Eglinton if you’ve just missed the Leaside busBooze selection: 14 beers, including Pommies cider and lots of wine (yes, they have Pimm’s)Food selection:offerings are given with beer pairings; reading others’ online reviews, it seems that the food is not the reason to go to this pubService staff: friendlyPrices: expensiveToilets: nicePatio: a large one that’s west- and south-facing and a rooftop that’s sometimes openWheelchair accessible: yes, except for the raised area that takes up a third of the ground floor and the upstairsTelevisions: six downstairsLive music: apparently they do have live music, but I guess it will be loud give the acoustics of the pubPiped-in music: dance! dance! dance!

The Quail (A Firkin Pub)(website, Twitter)1055 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4W 2L2 (on the east side between Rowanwood Avenue and Roxborough Street East, the nearest major intersection is Yonge Street and Alymer Avenue) 416-962-0782Google Maps

A quiet pub suitable for a pint after the rigours of the day.

I’ve been to the Quail (and Firkin, which it dropped a while ago) several times since I began this blog way back in January 2011, however, I could just never get worked up enough to do a TorontoPubs review. The pub review sheet for the Quail would be relegated to the bottom of the pile again and again until I felt that I couldn’t remember enough even with my notes to give a fair judgement of the place. So I would recycle the Quail review and dream of other pubs. I had someone ask me recently why I hadn’t reviewed the Quail as it’s pretty much in the heart of Toronto, so I thought I should try one last time, just for you, my dear reader. However, it’s taken me two months to write the review. I guess Firkin pubs are rather boring for this jaded reviewer. They’re too predictable and too corporate.

As a re-branded Firkin pub, the Quail has the Cool Britannia (that’s so 1997) style down pat with pseudo punk embellishments, Union Jacks galore, London Tube signs, and various things that scream “God Save the Queen!”. The Quail has a raised seating area at the back that can comfortably seat eight with a sofa and fancy chairs. There’s a pool table right at the back and a mixture of seating including stools with backs, which always worry me if I know I am going to be enjoying my company and booze that night. Large groups won’t have trouble getting seats together unless it’s prime pub time. I can see this pub being a popular summer one with its patio, but summer in Toronto is all too fleeting.

Number of visits by yours truly: my third or fourth visit, most recently on a weekday afternoon in May 2015TTC information: just a block and a half north of Rosedale StationBooze selection: about 20 beers or so, including Somersby apple and blackberry, and Brickworks cider (they have Pimm’s)Food selection: standard Firkin pub grub with lots of sandwiches and wrapsService staff: friendlyPrices: standard Firkin pricesToilets:not badPatio:west-facing on YongeWheelchair accessible: yes, except for the raised seating/pool table area at the backTelevisions:nine televisionsLive music: probably not given that it’s so open and part of a buildingPiped-in music: James, The Who, The Cure, Oasis, Phil Collins

Whatever the name, this is usually a good spot for a beer or two in Davisville.

Formerly the Twisted Kilt, which used to be the Bow and Arrow, the Wallace Gastropub has had several names over the years. We went to the Bow and Arrow a lot as they had sea salt and cracked pepper chicken wings, which were so good! However, we stopped going after a poor experience, then it became the Twisted Kilt, then the Tilted Kilt chain came to Canada and the pub was apparently offered a spot of cash to change its name (but not its telephone number), and thus the Wallace was born.

The seating is benches and movable chairs, most spots designed for couples or groups of four. Larger groups will be hard pressed to find seating without a reservation or good timing. If it’s the winter, you might not want to sit near the front door as the wind can whip in and chill you to the bone. However, you can sit near the fireplace in the raised area! The current décor is (fox) hunting scenes and other traditional pub paraphernalia. You can rent the upstairs room for private parties, which can comfortably fit 50 or so. I have rented this space several times over the years and it is a damn nice spot for you and 49 of your closest friends.

Number of visits by yours truly: forty or more visits, we used to live nearby and it was a nice walk home. Our most recent visit was on a Saturday night in August 2014TTC information: just a minute walk or so north of Davisville StationBooze selection: 20 or so beers, Waupoos cider and a number of wines (no Pimm’s)Food selection: limited gastro selection with cloth napkinsService staff: not badPrices: expensiveToilets: not enough, only two downstairs in the ladies’ room. There was no soap in the ladies and “too much ice,” whatever that means, in the men’s (I can guess, but I prefer some mysteries to remain as to the male experience)Patio: west-facing and very smallWheelchair accessible: they have a step at the front and apparently a wooden ramp, but that’s not accessible if you are arriving by yourself and waiting for someone to let the pub know you want to come inTelevisions: severalLive music: nopePiped-in music: Beatles, Robert Plant, Queen

Bier Markt (King West) (website, Twitter)600 King Street West, Toronto ON M5V 1M3 (on the corner of King Street West and Portland Street, the nearest major intersection is King Street West and Bathurst Avenue) 416-862-1175Google Maps

A great patio on King Street West with great beers.

We ended up at here because WVRST was full due to June’s Cider Week and I needed some liquid refreshment — stat! So, fortunately, the Bier Markt just down the street fit the bill and an evening’s plans that seemed derailed was quickly set right. My partner in crime and I had been to the location several times before when it was the Amsterdam, but we hadn’t been to it since it became a Bier Markt. We sat on the patio, which I usually avoid, however, the weather was so nice, I risked a tan and agreed to a spot on the patio. We enjoyed a free beer sample and enjoyed the people and car watching.

The Bier Markt is very dark inside, in part because it is in a basement, like her sister pub on the Esplanade. Is this a branding attempt? Seating is varied downstairs with high top tables with backless stools and tables against a brick wall. All in all, a decent pub with lots of beer.

Number of visits by yours truly: my first on a weekday afternoon in June 2014
TTC information: take the King streetcar west from King Station (seven- to ten-minute journey — according to a very optimistic TTC itinerary) or take Bathurst Streetcar south from Bathurst to King, which will take about 12 minutes and then walk east
Booze selection: well over 100 beers from around the world, with a focus on Belgian beers. As always with a selection this large, be prepared for a back-up order as they might be out of your first choice. For those who are cider drinkers, they have Somersby, Blackthorn, Magners, two types of Rekorderligs and the nectar that is Crabbie’s (alas, no Pimm’s)
Food selection: fancy end with oysters, risotto and beer can chicken soup
Service staff: good, however, this news story about the front-of-house female staff having to wear skimpy outfits might be something to keep in mind. Yes, they changed the policy, but they still had it and enforced it until people complained. I am not impressed with sexism with my booze
Prices: expensive for the most part. However, it is cheaper for some beersToilets: nice, watch for the hidden ledge on the way to the toilet, I can see people stumbling over that in the darknessPatio: west and one of the best in downtown, great for people watchingWheelchair accessible: noTelevisions: threeLive music: DJ on Wednesdays/something on Thursdays/live rock on Fridays/something on Saturdays (alas their website is useless at explaining what is happening on Thursdays and Saturdays) Piped-in music: modern

The Firkin On Yonge (website, Twitter) 207 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M5B 2H1 (on the east side, between Queen Street and Shuter Street, the nearest major intersection is Queen Street and Yonge Street) 647-345-0455Google Maps

Is this really a pub?

The Firkin On Yonge is the brightest pub I have ever been in! Blindingly white walls! They also don’t have cider. I don’t know if they are being ironic, but having a picture of stick-thin Twiggy on a place that serves food doesn’t really inspire confidence.

The Firkin On Yonge is a relatively new pub (it opened in the spring of 2012), but it has a built-in reputation as part of the Firkin pub chain — so too many televisions, limited menu, and regular beer selection — but there’s more to pubs than that! The pub is long and narrow (it has an exit on the alleyway near Massey Hall). Downstairs, they have a long bar and lots of booths and upstairs can be a private party room. Apparently, the place attracts a business crowd during the day, despite the fact that they are across the street from the Eaton Centre.

When asking my better half for his thoughts on the Firkin On Yonge, he said that he had nothing to add, it left no impression. Considering the location, you’d think they would at least try, but with substandard service, no cider, and no atmosphere, I really would go anywhere else but here.

Number of visits by yours truly:first and last visit on a Saturday afternoon in March 2013. Second pub of the day!TTC information:just north of Queen StationBooze selection:24 beers, but no cider! (no Pimm’s)Food selection:standard Firkin pub grub with lots of sandwiches and wrapsService staff:not good, our server was too busy and it appears we aren’t the only ones who have noticed the harried servers. When we got our change back from our bill, our server gave us back two dollars too much, when I politely pointed this out to her, all she said was “okay”Prices:standard Firkin prices, not expensive, but not cheapToilets: downstairs and clean enoughPatio:tiny smoking patio on YongeWheelchair accessible:yes, they even have an elevatorTelevisions:lots and lotsLive music:apparently they do have live music, but I could see no promotion of itPiped-in music: Muse, Depeche Mode, and Tom Petty

“There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn.” Samuel Johnson

“‘Tis my intention, gentle sir, to perish in a tavern.” Unknown, 13th century

“As I never refuse a small expence for the sake of a merry companion, we instantly adjourned to a neighbouring alehouse, and, in a few moments, had a frothing tankard, and a smoaking steak spread on the table before us. It is impossible to express how much the sight of such good cheer improved my companion’s vivacity.” Oliver Goldsmith

“Alcohol makes other people less tedious, and food less bland.” Christopher Hitchens

“There cannot be good living where there is not good drinking.” Benjamin Franklin

“I suddenly realize that, of all the buildings in the world — art galleries and hospitals and libraries and good homes — pubs are the best kind of buildings.” Caitlin Moran